2 minute read

Wild Belize Escape: Wildlife, Reefs & Rivers

6 DAYS | FROM $4,460

Scan QR code for itinerary details and current rates or visit expeditions.com/belize-escape

Aboard National Geographic Quest

Much of Belize remains genuine wilderness, with large expanses of dense tropical forest, miles of wild rivers, abundant bird life, and the largest, healthiest coral reef systems in North America. Discover tropical wonders on a voyage along the country’s remote southern coast. Snorkel the colorful corals of the Belize Barrier Reef, explore the lush jungles on foot, and cruise coastal rivers in Zodiacs.

Expedition Highlights

▶ Explore turquoise lagoons and wildife-rich coastal rivers by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and Zodiac.

▶ Snorkel or dive the world’s second largest barrier reef.

▶ Local naturalists will lead a hike through the beautiful Mayflower Bocawina National Park.

▶ Enjoy a festive musical performance from the world-renowned Garifuna Collective.

DAY 1: BELIZE CITY/EMBARK

Arrive in Belize City and transfer to the National Geographic Quest. Settle into your cabin as we set sail on the Caribbean Sea. (D)

DAY 2: BELIZE BARRIER REEF

Awaken in the northern cayes of the Mesoamerican Reef, a barrier-reef system that stretches more than 600 miles and harbors incredible marine biodiversity. Edged with mangroves and scattered with idyllic tropical isles, these turquoise waters give us much to explore during our full day here. If weather and conditions permit, visit Half Moon Caye to see its red-footed booby and magnificent frigatebird colony. Later, don a mask and fins to snorkel among sea turtles, swirling schools of tropical fish, and harmless nurse sharks. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: MAYFLOWER BOCAWINA NATIONAL

PARK

Spend the morning discovering the lush rainforests and waterfalls of Mayflower Bocawina National Park. On a variety of hikes with our naturalists, photograph unusual tropical flowers, watch for colorful bird species, and identify the tracks of tapirs and jungle cats. Meet local researchers to learn about ongoing studies of this protected big cat. Tonight an internationally acclaimed drumming group, the Garifuna Collective, joins us on board to perform their spirited music. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: MONKEY RIVER / BELIZE BARRIER REEF

Rise early to board Zodiacs at the mouth of Monkey River and cruise inland through the Belizean jungle in search of toucans, green iguanas, and myriad bird species. Few experiences rival hearing the first throaty roar of a mantled howler monkey echoing across the canopy. Explore the southern cayes of the Belize Barrier Reef this afternoon and enjoy more opportunities to kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or snorkel amid vibrant corals teeming with tropical fish. SCUBA diving opportunities available (at additional cost). (B,L,D)

DAY 5: BELIZE BARRIER REEF

We now venture into the central cayes. Here coral patches dot the shallow coastal lagoon, which harbors parrotfish, butterflyfish, octopuses, and countless other marine species. We’ll drop anchor nearby and spend the full day within the fringing reef, discovering natural wonders both in the water and out. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: DISEMBARK/BELIZE CITY

Return to Belize City overnight and disembark after breakfast to transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Expedition Dates

2024 - 2025 January

SPECIAL OFFERS:

Book by June 30, 2023

• $700/pp air credit.

• Complimentary beer and wine. See page 32 for details.

Belize to Tikal: Reefs, Rivers & Ruins of the Maya World

9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS | FROM $6,060

Scan QR code for itinerary details and current rates or visit expeditions.com/belize Aboard National Geographic Quest

Venture to the Belize Barrier Reef and beyond to explore the extensive Maya ruins of the Petén region, once the hub of Classic Maya Civilization

DAY 1: Embark Belize City

DAY 2: Belize Barrier Reef

DAY 3: Mayflower Bocawina

National Park

DAY 4 - 5: Monkey River/Belize

Barrier Reef

DAY 6: Belize City/Flores

DAY 7: Yaxhá

DAY 8: Tikal National Park

DAY 9: Flores/Belize City

EXPEDITION DATES

2024 - 2025 January

SPECIAL OFFERS:

Book select departures by June 30, 2023 and receive

• $700/pp air credit.

• Complimentary beer and wine. See page 32 for details.

Tikal temple.

This article is from: